Medicinal Monday - Iris Versicolor - The Beauty of Blue

One of the most attractive flowers growing in swamps and wetland areas in Connecticut and throughout eastern and central North America and Canada is Iris Versicolor. The striking blue flowers with their yellow stripes and sword-like upright foliage make this plant stand out amid green ferns and skunk cabbage. Native American communities found a myriad of interesting medicinal uses for this plant that most of us consider ornamental today.

About Iris versicolor

This perennial is native to North America and is found in meadows, marshes, wetlands, river and stream banks, near ponds and lakes, and by the shore. It grows up to 31 inches high and spreads from thick, creeping rhizomes. The stems are erect and the leaves form an overlapping fan. The flower blooms from May through July and has six petals and sepals that have a greenish-yellow blotch at their base. The flowers are a striking blue or purple. The fruit is a three-celled angled capsule and the large seeds of this flower can be seen floating in the fall.

Medicinal Uses

Iris was a frequently used remedy by Native Americans. The Algonquins and Chippewa made a poultice of the dried roots and treated burns, swellings, and wounds with the mixture. The Cree, Hudson Bay, and the Creek use the plant as a cathartic and bowel remedy. Delaware and Delaware Oklahoma used the roots to treat rheumatism. The Iroquois crushed the rhizomes, mashed them, and applied them to an affected area to treat blood poisoning. The Malecite uses a combination of this plant and bulrushes as a gargle for sore throats. The Mohegan and the Montagnais mix the poultice of the pulverized root with flour and take it to treat pain. The Ojibwa takes a decoction of the root as a quick emetic. The Omaha and Ponca pulverize the roots, mix them with water or saliva and put it in a sore ear to treat earaches. The Penobscot made an infusion of the plant to treat cholera. They also made herbal steam by boiling this plant and infused their home with this steam to keep disease away in general. The Meskwakis used the roots as a decoction for cold and lung problems.

Fruits and Seeds

Did You Know...

The iris is the official state flower of Tennessee.

This plant is also known as blue flag, harlequin, poison flag, and northern blue flag.

The Iris versicolor is the provincial flower of Quebec, having replaced the Madonna lily which was not native to the province.

The fresh Iris is quite acrid and if taken it produces nausea, vomiting, and purging. The dried root is less acrid and many Native American communities used it as an emetic, diuretic and cathartic.

Learn A Technique Used by Archeologists on Saturday, June 26, 2021

If you are interested in learning about the techniques used by archaeologists then register for the Flotation Workshop being held at the Institute for American Indian Studies​ located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut on Saturday, June 26 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. To register click here. Space is limited for this program and pre-registration is required. For additional questions, call 860-868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org.

Not all of the information archaeologists learn about the past comes from artifacts. Some of the most telling information can come from the dirt. When things like hearths, or burned areas are found the soil is removed and packed up to be taken back to the lab. This is done so that all of the soil can be saved.

In the lab, the dried soil is placed in a tub that has been filled with water. The lighter organic materials "float," which gives this technique its name. The remaining soil is run through a series of sieves that catch even the finest materials. This technique is used to find charcoal, fish scales, nut fragments, and even grass seeds. These small bits can tell archaeologists so much!

Participants in this workshop will join the Institute's Research Department for an in-depth demonstration of this useful technique. A highlight of this program is the chance to try this process out for yourself.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS)

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. We have an outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village, the award-winning Wigwam Escape, and a Museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

Medicinal Monday - Amazing Antelope Horns

This unusual-looking plant that has pods that curve upward and resemble antelope horns are not only used medicinally by Native American communities, they are also important hosts to Monarch, Soldier, and Queen butterflies. The leaves are the primary food source for Monarch caterpillars and the flowers provide nectar for adult butterflies.

About Antelope horn

This plant, also known as Asclepias Asperula is in the milkweed family. It is usually found in desert swales, and on sandy or rocky hillsides. Up to 15 stems can grow from one central root crown. The stems are erect and covered with small hairs. The leaves are long and fold upward from the stem that is green and tinged with maroon. Each stem bears one erect umbel that is composed of greenish-white and maroon flowers that form broad round clusters. The plants bloom from April through August and if pollination is successful, the flowers give way to green seed pods which curve to resemble antelope horns. They are native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Culinary, Ceremonial, and Medicinal Uses

The unopened flower buds are cooked and taste like peas and the young shoots of this plant are cooked and eaten as a substitute for asparagus. The flowers are also boiled down to make a sugary sap. The roots were dug up in the fall, dried and pounded, and used as a snuff to treat congestion and lung infections. The dried root was also used to treat heart problems. The Navajo Ramah used the plant as a ceremonial emetic. An infusion of this plant was made into a lotion to treat coyote bites on humans and animals.

Did You Know...

Other names for this plant are Green flowered milkweed and spider milkweed.

In addition to butterflies, the flowers are a great source of nectar for hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects.

When clusters of ripe seed pods are grown in groups they are thought to resemble a herd of antelope grazing in the grass.

Plants in the milkweed family contain cardiac glycosides, naturally occurring drugs that increase the force of heart contractions and have been used to treat heart conditions.

Asclepias Asperula is derived from Asklepios the Greek word for the god of medicine and Asperula the Greek word for rough. In Greek mythology the Greek god Asklepios brought Orion back to life. The Greeks believed that Asklepios could use his powers to bring any of the dead back to life. The constellation Asklepios is also called the serpent holder.

Medicinal Monday... Rattlesnake Master

This perennial plant with an intimidating name, Rattlesnake Master, is found in sunny wetland areas from New Jersey to Florida. It has an attractive silver-blue flower with silver-green foliage that offers a surprising number of medicinal uses. 

Courtesy NC State Extension

About Rattlesnake Master

Eryngium aquaticum or Rattlesnake Master is an evergreen perennial that flowers from July to August. It is in the Apiaceae family, that also contains carrots, celery, and parsley. The species is hermaphrodite, meaning it has both male and female parts and is pollinated by bees, flies, and beetles. The stems are stiff and upright with alternating lance-shaped leaves that are toothed on the edges. The round heads of tiny fine parted florets make up umbels of bluish heads and spiny involucres that have a mist-like appearance at a distance against the dark green of a marsh. The tightly packed flowerhead is similar in shape and size to an aster. The dry fruit of this plant is formed from more than one carpel and breaks apart when ripe. It is usually found in wet areas like ponds, marshes, and bogs.

Medicinal Uses

This plant was used by the Creeks of Alabama and the Koasati was made into an infusion and used as an emetic. The Choctaw used the roots of this plant as a diuretic and expectorant. They also used the ground root as an antidote for snakebite. The roots were chewed and then applied to the bite. The Delaware used the roots to treat intestinal worms. An infusion of roots was used to treat fever.  In addition, the roots were often made into tea and used to treat gastrointestinal complaints.

Did You Know

The common name, rattlesnake master, comes from its use by Native Americans as an antidote for rattlesnake venom.

This plant is also known as the corn-snake root, bitter snakeroot, and marsh eryngo.

The plant is a larval host for the Black Swallowtail butterfly.

Many gardeners use this plant as an ornamental.

This Father’s Day, Take a Trip to the Year 1518

Need help finding the perfect gift for Father's Day? Celebrate Dad and have fun at the same time with a Wigwam Escape experience at the Institute of American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut. This multi-award-winning escape room was given the coveted international 2020 Golden Lock Award by the Room Escape Artist because it’s an immersive experience. 

No matter who you’re celebrating this Father’s Day this thrilling and unexpected gift is sure to be fun for all. If the father figure in your life is a history buff, enjoys immersive experiences that challenge, and likes solving interactive puzzles, then a Wigwam Escape gift certificate or reservation is ideal. Best of all, this is an exclusive family and friends experience because Wigwam Escape is a private experience with only one group playing at a time. Groups are never mixed and strict sanitation of all touchable game surfaces are cleaned after each game. An added perk is that the price of admission to the Institute for Native American Studies located right next door is discounted. 

The full experience is 90 minutes in the museum's Research Center that includes a pre-game orientation, one hour in the escape room, and a post-game discussion. The game is set for two to seven players and the per-person cost is $25 or $20 for students and members of the museum. If your group is larger, give the escape room a call at 860-868-0510.  To book Wigwam Escape or to get a gift certificate call 860-868-0151 or visit the website.

About Wigwam Escape

The Wigwam Escape journey begins in the year 1518 - players leave all modern-day devices like watches and cell phones behind, learning to take cues from the world around them. The room itself has hand-painted murals of New England forests, fields, streams, ponds, and gardens that allow players to be immersed in the pre-contact environment of Connecticut's woodlands. The centerpiece of the room is a to-scale wigwam, crafted using traditional methods from local bark and trees. Players learn that a nearby fishing village has requested help, so they must hunt, forage, and gather supplies for the journey ahead. This exhilarating, hands-on approach connects players to the ways Native peoples lived and the skills they relied on 500 years ago in their daily lives. Some of these lessons are timeless, allowing for an even broader takeaway from the experience of Wigwam Escape.

Sweet Strawberries @ Institute for American Indian Studies

 For many of us, strawberries signal the real start of summer. For Native Americans, strawberries are deeply rooted in their beliefs and spiritual traditions. Native Americans believe that when wild strawberries ripen they represent life and good health. 

On Sunday, June 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. the Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is hosting an event that celebrates the strawberry. Participants will enjoy family-friendly small group education activities related to the gifts of this fruit that holds great significance to many Native American communities. A highlight is listening to traditional Native American stories with Education Director, Darlene Kascak, Schaghticoke Tribal Nation while learning about the importance of giving thanks for the bounty of the Earth.

The price of the event is $15 Adults, $13 Seniors, $11 for Children, $5 for IAIS Members. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Questions? Please call (860) 868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org.  To register click here.

Wigwam Escape A Unique Gift for a Special Dad

Your dad is no ordinary dad so why get him the same old boring gift that you gave him last year on Father's Day. This Father's Day you can celebrate your dad's unique personality and have fun at the same time with a Wigwam Escape experience at the Institute of American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut. This award-winning escape room won the coveted national 2020 Golden Lock Award, awarded by the Room Escape Artist for its realistic experience. This fun-filled and unexpected gift is sure to put a smile on dad's face. 

If your dad is a history buff, enjoys immersive experiences that challenge, and likes solving interactive puzzles, then a Wigwam Escape gift certificate or reservation is ideal. Best of all, this is an exclusive family and friends experience because Wigwam Escape is a private experience with only one group playing at a time. Groups are never mixed and strict sanitation of all touchable game surfaces are cleaned after each game. An added perk is that the price of admission to the Institute for Native American Studies located right next door is discounted. The full experience is 90 minutes in the museum's Research Center that includes a pre-game orientation, one hour in the escape room, and a post-game discussion. The game is set for two to seven players and the per-person cost is $25 and $20 for students and members of the museum. If your group is larger, give the escape room a call at 860-868-0510. To book Wigwam Escape or to get a gift certificate call 860-868-0151 or visit the website.

About Wigwam Escape 

The Wigwam Escape journey begins in the year 1518 - players leave all modern-day devices like watches and cell phones behind, learning to take cues from the world around them. The room itself has hand-painted murals of New England forests, fields, streams, ponds, and gardens that allow players to be immersed in the pre-contact environment of Connecticut's woodlands. The centerpiece of the room is a to-scale wigwam, crafted using traditional methods from local bark and trees. Players learn that a nearby fishing village has requested help, so they must hunt, forage, and gather supplies for the journey ahead. This unique, hands-on approach connects players to the ways Native peoples lived and the skills they relied on 500 years ago in their daily lives. Some of these lessons are timeless, allowing for an even broader takeaway from the experience of Wigwam Escape. 

The Art of Making A Traditional Lacrosse Stick - A Demonstration with Alfie Jacques, Stickmaker

Everyone that plays lacrosse and enjoys watching this sport should know where the game came from. On Saturday, June 19, the Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut, is hosting a traditional lacrosse stick-making demonstration with one of the few stick makers of his kind in the world, Alfie Jacques from the Onondaga Turtle Clan. Alfie has made more than 80,000 wooden sticks over the past fifty-plus years. 

There will be two outdoor in-person interactive sessions, the first at 1 p.m. and the second at 3:30 p.m. Alfi will discuss the traditional techniques used to make these sticks out of hickory that include steam bending, drying, shaping, hand-carving, weaving, and webbing. He will also explain the cultural and spiritual significance of the game. Pre-registration for this event is required and is available on the Institute's website and is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $11 for children, and $5 for members. 

Lacrosse originated with the Nations of the Iroquois or Haudenosaunee Confederacy, where it is known as the "Creators Game" or the "Medicine Game," because it promotes health and strength. Today, Lacrosse is enjoyed by many people throughout the world. Culturally, for Native Americans, this time-honored traditional game, played only with wooden sticks is entwined with Native American spiritual beliefs. 

Before mass-produced plastic lacrosse sticks, all sticks were made from wood. Alf Jacques of the Onondaga Nation Turtle Clan and world-class Lacross player who is in the Ontario Hall of Fame is one of the few remaining traditional Native American stick makers. He learned the craft of stick making from his father, the late Louis Jacques, Mohawk, and legendary lacrosse coach. Alfie has worked on perfecting the techniques he learned from his father for many years and still uses his father's knife, made in 1832. Each stick is made from a single piece of hickory wood that can take up to ten months to complete. Those that love the sport purchase most of Alfie’s sticks or are collectors, because wooden sticks are rarely used in today’s competitive games. Those that do use them consider wooden handcrafted lacrosse sticks the “soul of the game.”

Alfie is continuing a tradition for new generations of Native American lacrosse players, and his demonstration at the Institute offers a rare opportunity to understand the cultural heritage of lacrosse from a different perspective.